Storm Safety

Whether you’re on the road or at home, storms and extreme weather events can create electrical hazards you should be aware of.

On The Road

During storms, there are a number of electrical hazards you can encounter on the road. Remember to put your safety first when traveling during stormy weather.

You should be careful when traveling in any storm situation. Heavy rain, strong winds or wet snow are particularly adept at toppling trees, which can damage power equipment and create hazardous situations.

If you notice a power line in the road, keep your distance. There is no way to tell if the line is energized or not. Never drive near, under or over a downed power line. Call Eversource and stay away from the hazard until officials make the area safe for everyone.

Be especially cognizant of a fallen tree touching a power line. In this dangerous situation, power can travel through the tree and into anything the tree is touching, including the ground itself. Make sure to keep your distance and call Eversource.

At Home

If you lose power during a storm, there are several safety hazards to keep in mind.

Please know, Eversource is always working hard to restore your power during an outage. However, you should prepare to be without power for an extended period of time. One preemptive step you can take is packing a storm safety kit with things like flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kit, water and some snacks. Also, make sure you memorize or write down a set of emergency numbers, in case you are unable to charge your cell phone, and check the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Our 'Storm Safety Checklist' can help with other steps you can take before, during and after a storm to stay safe.

Generator Safety

If you’re using a generator to power your house, be sure to use a properly installed, code approved transfer switch when you turn it on.

You can also plug your electrical devices directly into the generator. Only use heavy-duty, outdoor power cords, and remember to check for frays.